Thursday 16 May 2013 High drama dominated the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Rugby League Final between year 11 teams from GSAL and Woodkirk High School, held at the hallowed ground of the Leeds Rhinos in Headingley. The final score saw GSAL defeating Woodkirk 26-24 but the closeness of the score only tells half the story. Ten minutes into the second half GSAL were trailing 6-24, with a well-organised and very efficient Woodkirk team totally in control, until a try in the corner to Dom Turner provided a glimmer of hope. This was a prelude to a remarkable hat-trick of tries in the last quarter of the game from Tom Gorman, whose three long distance scores demonstrated blistering pace. The last, a spectacular kick ahead and re-gather, edged the Grammar School boys ahead with two minutes to go and provided a brilliant climax to a great contest. Tom Megson scored the only GSAL try of the first half, whilst captain, Sam Ward, landed three conversions. The whole squad, their coach John Mackenzie and manager Steve Alderson deserve huge congratulations on a thrilling and truly absorbing final. Mr Mackenzie said: “The players remained remarkably calm throughout the match, confident that, with a bit of possession, they would be a threat to Woodkirk. Their composure when it really mattered was sensational; their defensive organisation integral to the victory. “Whilst Tom Gorman’s incredible hat-trick rightly earned him the man of the match award, Harry Francis and Sam Ward were truly magnificent, and the catch Harry Bolser took under the greatest of pressure gave us the possession to launch the winning attack.” Photographed with the cup are from left to right are: Back Row: Joe Hunter, Dom Turner, Simon Phillips, Jonathan Haslem, Dom Hardman, Harry Bolser, Harry Francis, Harrison Brown-Raw, Will Newett. Middle Row: Tom Megson, Luke Powderly, Gerard Ellis. Front Row: Sam Ward (Captain – with trophy), Tom Gorman (with Man of the Match Shield), Jeremy Huitson, Harry Mawer. Also played, but missing through injury: Charlie Etchells. General Senior School News
